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Physical Science
Quarter 1 – Module 1:
Formation of Heavier
Eleme
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master
the nature of physical science. The scope of this module permits it to be used in
many different situations, and lets you explore the vast concept of physical science.
The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course.
At the end of this module, you will be able to give evidence and describe the
formation of heavier elements during star formation and evolution.
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. Discuss the stellar nucleosynthesis;
2. Give evidence for the formation of heavier elements during star formation
and evolution;
3. Describe the formation of heavier elements during star formation and
evolution;
4. Make a creative representation on the formation of heavier elements during
star formation and evolution; and
5. Write the nuclear reactions involved in the formation of heavier elements.

What I Know

Pre-Assessment
Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on the
space provided before each number.
___ 1. The formation of the elements is known as _______________.
a. Nucleotides b. Nuclear fission
c. Synthogenesis d. Nucleosynthesis
___ 2. How many types of nucleosynthesis are there?
a.1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4
___ 3. The first elements were formed in what is known as _____________.
a. Big bang nucleosynthesis b. Supernova nucleosynthesis
c. Stellar nucleosynthesis d. Genonucleosynthesis
___ 4. The two elements formed in Big Bang Nucleosynthesis where _________.
a. Hydrogen and helium b. Hydrogen and lithium
c. Hydrogen and oxygen d. Helium and lithium
___ 5. ______________ Nucleosynthesis happens in the center of the stars and
is where the elements helium through iron (Fe) are formed.
a. Big Bang b. Stellar c. Supernova d. Red Giant

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___ 6. Stellar Nucleosynthesis stops at the element iron because there are
__________ in their nuclei.
a. Not enough protons b. Not enough protrons
c. Not enough electrons d. Not enough neutrons
___ 7. All elements bigger than iron in the periodic table are formed in ________.
a. Big bang nucleosynthesis b. Stellar nucleosynthesis
c. Supernova nucleosynthesis d. Genonucleosynthesis
___ 8. Three helium nuclei fuse to form ___________.
a. Carbon b. hydrogen c. lithium d. phosphorus
___ 9. The temperature in a supernova can reach ______________ and allows
the heavier elements to form (along with abundant neutrons).
a. 15 billion °C b. 100 billion °C
c. 15 million °C d. 100 million °C
___10. How many light elements were created after Big Bang Nucleosynthesis?
a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4
___ 11. Which of the following processes is likely to generate the heaviest element?
a. CNO Cycle c. triple alpha process
b. r – process d. Big Bang Nucleosynthesis
___ 12. Which of the following reactions is not a part of the alpha ladder?

a. 24
12𝑀𝑔 + 42𝐻𝑒 → 28
14𝑆𝑖 c. 36
18𝐴𝑟 + 4
2𝐻𝑒 → 40
20𝐶𝑎

b. 31
15𝑃 + 42𝐻𝑒 → 35
17𝐶𝑙 d. 44
22𝑇𝑖 + 4
2𝐻𝑒 → 48
24𝐶𝑟

___ 13. If an element is used up by a star in fusion, it is sometimes called “burning”

even though no actual combustion occurs. Which of the following processes
is likely to involve “carbon burning”?
a. Alpha ladder c. triple alpha process
b. CNO Cycle d. s – process
___ 14. Where can you find the heavy elements in the star?
a. Red Giant c. Protostar
b. Core d. Main Sequence Star
___ 15. Which of the following statements is true about stellar nucleosynthesis?
a. In the core of a main sequence star, hydrogen is fused into helium via the
beta plus decay.
b. When the core temperature reaches about 10 million K, nuclear reactions
begin wherein positrons and neutrons are released which increase pressure
and stop the contraction.
c. When the majority of the helium in the core has been converted to carbon,
then the rate of fusion increases.
d. Due to strong gravitational force, the protostar contracts and its
temperature increases.

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 Lesson We are all made of Star
1 Stuff (Formation of Heavier
Elements)
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
master the nature of physical science. The scope of this module permits it to be used
in many different situations, and lets you explore the vast concept of physical
science. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course.

What’s In

Activity 1. Crossword Puzzle

Complete the crossword puzzle using the clues below the puzzle.

Across
Down
2 ___ of light elements; 3rd evidence
1 positively charged particle
3 H isotope with 1p and 2n
5 stellar core
4 star explosion
7 alpha particle
6 massless particle
8 Product of He and H-3
9 most prevalent H isotope
10 neutrally charged particle
11 H isotope with 1p and 1n
12 Moving away from us
14 M stands for _____ in CMBR
13 cosmic formation of atoms

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 Guide Questions:

Q1. What is Big Bang Theory?

Q2. Give 3 evidences that explain the formation of the light elements in
the Big Bang Theory.
Q3. Name at least 4 light elements formed in the Big Bang Theory.

Notes to the Teacher

Use video links and additional references for in depth
discussion of the topic.
Strategies such as differentiated instruction, ICT
integration may also be utilize especially in presenting the main
idea on the Formation of the heavier elements.
Make sure to check individual activity sheets and provide
immediate feed backing.

What’s New

Activity 2. Cosmic Connection: Jumbled UNIVERSE

Identify the jumbled words being presented below. Write the CAPITAL
LETTER on the space provided.

IGB NGAB ULNCUES

1. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 2. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
THONOP UHLIEM
3. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 4. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
RSTA URNEOVSAP
5. ___ ___ ___ ___ 6. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
IEEMNTE ERD INATG
7. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 8. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
EIHTW AWFRD EEVSURIN
9. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 10. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

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Activity 3. Putting it All Together
Read the selection and answer carefully the questions that follow.

A STAR IS BORN
Just like living things and humans, stars have a life cycle, which
consists of birth, growth, development, middle age, old age, and death. The
life cycle of a star spans over billions of years. All stars start as a nebula. A
nebula is a large cloud of gas and dust. Gravity can pull some of the gas and
dust in a nebula together. The contracting cloud is then called a protostar. A
protostar is the earliest stage of a star’s life. A star is born when the gas and
dust from a nebula become so hot that nuclear fusion starts. Once a star has
“turned on” it is known as a main sequence star. When a main sequence star
begins to run out of hydrogen fuel, the star becomes a red giant or a red super
giant.
After a low or medium mass or star has become a red giant the outer
parts grow bigger and drift into space, forming a cloud of gas called a
planetary nebula. The blue-white hot core of the star that is left behind cools
and becomes a white dwarf. The white dwarf eventually runs out of fuel and
dies as a black dwarf.
A dying red super giant star can suddenly explode. The explosion is
called as supernova. After the star explodes, some of the materials from the
star are left behind. This material may form a neutron star. Neutron stars are
the remains of high-mass stars. The most massive stars become black holes
when they die. After a large mass star explodes, a large amount of mass may
remain. The gravity of the mass is so strong that gas is pulled inward, pulling
more gas into a smaller and smaller space. Eventually, the gravity becomes
so strong that nothing can escape, not even light.

Q4a. Identify the letter that corresponds to the correct order as shown in the
illustration below. Write your answer on the space provided.

___ 1. Black Hole

___ 2. Supernova
___ 3. Protostar
___ 4. Gravity causes this to condense into a protostar
___ 5. Main sequence star
___ 6. When a star begins to run out of fuel and grows larger
___ 7. Neutron star

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 Q4b. Fill in the graphic organizer based on the given selection.

Activity 3.1: Video Clip Watching and Analysis

Watch the video clip on the formation of heavier elements during star
formation and evolution in order to answer the following guide questions.
Guide Questions:
Q5. How were elements heavier than beryllium formed?
Q6. What are the pieces of evidence supporting the star formation theory?

Activity 3.2: Model Me Up!

Create a model to represent the reactions by which stars convert helium into
heavier elements.

𝟏𝟐 𝟒 𝟏𝟔 𝟎
𝟔𝑪 + 𝟐𝑯𝒆 → 𝟖𝑶 + −𝟏𝛄

𝟏𝟔 𝟒 𝟐𝟎 𝟎
1. 𝟖𝑶 + 𝟐𝑯𝒆 → 𝟏𝟎𝐍𝐞 + −𝟏𝛄

𝟐𝟎 𝟒 𝟐𝟒 𝟎
2. 𝟏𝟎𝐍𝐞 + 𝟐𝑯𝒆 → 𝟏𝟐𝑴𝒈 + −𝟏𝛄

𝟐𝟒 𝟒 𝟐𝟖 𝟎
3. 𝟏𝟐𝑴𝒈 + 𝟐𝑯𝒆 → 𝟏𝟒𝑺𝒊 + −𝟏𝛄

Q7. How did you come up with your creative representation regarding our
topic?
Q8. Write a brief description on the Creative Representation made.

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 What is It

The Formation of Heavier Elements during Star Formation and Evolution

Elements heavier than beryllium are formed through stellar nucleosynthesis.
Stellar nucleosynthesis is the process by which elements are formed within stars.
The abundances of these elements change as the stars evolve.
Evolution of Stars
The star formation theory proposes that stars form due to the collapse of the
dense regions of a molecular cloud. As the cloud collapses, the fragments contract
to form a stellar core called protostar. Due to strong gravitational force, the protostar
contracts and its temperature increases. When the core temperature reaches about
10 million K, nuclear reactions begin. The reactions release positrons and neutrinos
which increase pressure and stop the contraction. When the contraction stops, the
gravitational equilibrium is reached, and the protostar has become a main sequence
star.
In the core of a main sequence star, hydrogen is fused into helium via the
proton-proton chain. When most of the hydrogen in the core is fused into helium,
fusion stops, and the pressure in the core decreases. Gravity squeezes the star to a
point that helium and hydrogen burning occur. Helium is converted to carbon in the
core while hydrogen is converted to helium in the shell surrounding the core. The
star has become a red giant.

Image Source: Physical Science Quipper, The Formation of Heavier Elements during Star Formation
and Evolution, Page 7

When the majority of the helium in the core has been converted to carbon,
then the rate of fusion decreases. Gravity again squeezes the star. In a low-mass star
(with mass less than twice the Sun’s mass), there is not enough mass for a carbon
fusion to occur. The star’s fuel is depleted, and over time, the outer material of the
star is blown off into space. The only thing that remains is the hot and inert carbon
core. The star becomes a white dwarf.
However, the fate of a massive star is different. A massive star has enough
mass such that temperature and pressure increase to a point where carbon fusion
can occur. The star goes through a series of stages where heavier elements are fused
in the core and in the shells around the core. The element oxygen is formed from
carbon fusion; neon from oxygen fusion; magnesium from neon fusion: silicon from
magnesium fusion; and iron from silicon fusion. The star becomes a multiple-shell
red giant.

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 Image Source: Physical Science Quipper, The Formation of Heavier Elements during Star
Formation and Evolution, Page 8

The fusion of elements continues until iron is formed by silicon fusion.

Elements lighter than iron can be fused because when two of these elements
combine, they produce a nucleus with a mass lower than the sum of their masses.
The missing mass is released as energy. Therefore, the fusion of elements lighter
than iron releases energy. However, this does not happen to iron nuclei. Rather than
releasing energy, the fusion of two iron nuclei requires an input of energy. Therefore,
elements lighter than and including iron can be produced in a massive star, but no
elements heavier than iron are produced.
When the core can no longer produce energy to resist gravity, the star is
doomed. Gravity squeezes the core until the star explodes and releases a large
amount of energy. The star explosion is called a supernova.

Pieces of Evidence
The discovery of the interstellar medium of gas and dust during the early part
of the 20th century provided a crucial piece of evidence to support the star formation
theory. Other pieces of evidence come from the study of different stages of formation
happening in different areas in space and piecing them together to form a clearer
picture.
Energy in the form of Infrared Radiation (IR) is detected from different stages
of star formation. For instance, astronomers measure the IR released by a protostar
and compare it to the IR from a nearby area with zero extinction.
Extinction in astronomy means the absorption and scattering of
electromagnetic radiation by gases and dust particles between an emitting
astronomical object and an observer. The IR measurements are then used to
approximate the energy, temperature, and pressure in the protostar.
The Nuclear Fusion Reactions in Stars
Stellar nucleosynthesis is the process by which elements are formed in the
cores and shells of the stars through nuclear fusion reactions. Nuclear fusion is a
type of reaction that fuses lighter elements to form heavier ones. It requires very high
temperatures and pressures. It is the reaction that fuels the stars since stars have
very high temperatures and pressures in their cores.

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 Hydrogen is the lightest element and the most abundant in space. Thus, the
formation of heavier elements starts with hydrogen. Hydrogen burning is the stellar
process that produces energy in the stars. There are two dominant hydrogen burning
processes, the proton-proton chain and carbon-nitrogen-oxygen (CNO) cycle.

Proton-Proton Chain
The proton-proton chain is a series of thermonuclear reactions in the stars.
It is the main source of energy radiated by the sun and other stars. It happens due
to the large kinetic energies of the protons. If the kinetic energies of the protons are
high enough to overcome their electrostatic repulsion, then proton-proton chain
proceeds.
The sequence proceeds as follows:
1. The chain starts when two protons fuse. When the fused proton breaks, one
proton is transmuted into a neutron.
2. The proton and neutron then pairs, forming an isotope of hydrogen called
deuterium.
3. Another proton collides with a deuterium forming a helium-3 nucleus and a
gamma ray.
4. Finally, two helium-3 nuclei collide, and a helium-4 is created with the release
of two protons.

Image Source: Physical Science Quipper, The Formation of Heavier Elements during Star Formation
and Evolution, Page 11

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Carbon-Nitrogen-Oxygen (CNO) Cycle

For more massive and hotter stars, the carbon-nitrogen-oxygen cycle is the
more favorable route in converting hydrogen to helium.

The cycle proceeds as follows:

1. Carbon-12 captures a proton and gives off a gamma ray, producing an

unstable nitrogen-13.
2. Nitrogen-13 undergoes beta decay to form carbon-13.
3. Carbon-13 captures a proton and releases a gamma ray to become nitrogen-
14.
4. Nitrogen-14 then captures another proton and releases a gamma ray to
produce oxygen-15.
5. Oxygen-15 undergoes beta decay and becomes nitrogen-15.
6. Finally, nitrogen-15 captures a proton and gives off helium (alpha particle)
ending the cycle and returning to carbon-12.

Unlike the proton-proton chain, the CNO cycle is a catalytic process. Carbon-
12 acts a catalyst for the cycle. It is used in the initial reaction and is regenerated in
the final one.

Image Source: Physical Science Quipper, The Formation of Heavier Elements during Star Formation
and Evolution, Page 12

Nucleosynthesis is the process by which new nuclei are formed from pre-
existing or seed nuclei. Previously, you have learned about the types of
nucleosynthesis. The big bang nucleosynthesis produced hydrogen and helium,
whereas the stellar nucleosynthesis produced elements up to iron in the core of the
stars.
If the stellar nucleosynthesis produced only elements up to iron, then what
type of nucleosynthesis produced the elements heavier than iron?

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 The fusion reactions cannot produce nuclei higher than iron-56 because
fusion reaction becomes unfavorable. This is because the nuclear binding energy
per nucleon, the energy that holds the nucleus intact, decreases after iron-56.
Therefore, different pathways are needed for the synthesis of heavier nuclei.
Synthesis of heavier nuclei happens via neutron or proton capture
processes.
The fusion reactions cannot produce nuclei higher than iron-56 because
fusion reaction becomes unfavorable. This is because the nuclear binding energy
per nucleon, the energy that holds the nucleus intact, decreases after iron-56.
Therefore, different pathways are needed for the synthesis of heavier nuclei.
Synthesis of heavier nuclei happens via neutron or proton capture processes.
In neutron capture, a neutron is added to a seed nucleus. The addition of neutron
produces a heavier isotope of the element.
𝑨
𝒁𝑿 + 𝟏𝟎𝒏 → 𝑨+𝟏
𝒁𝑿

For example, iron-56 captures three neutrons to produce iron-59.

𝟓𝟔
𝟐𝟔𝑭𝒆 + 𝟑 𝟏𝟎𝒏 → 𝟓𝟗
𝟐𝟔𝑭𝒆
0
The generated isotope, when unstable, undergoes beta ( −1β ) decay. This decay
results in an increase in the number of protons of the nucleus by 1. Hence, a heavier
nucleus is formed.
𝑨 𝟎
𝒁𝑿 → 𝒁+𝟏𝑨𝒀 + −𝟏
𝛃
Beta decay results in the formation of a new element. For example, the
unstable iron-59 undergoes beta decay to produce cobalt-59.
𝟓𝟗 𝟎
𝟐𝟔𝑭𝒆 → 𝟓𝟗
𝟐𝟕𝑪𝒐 + −𝟏
𝛃
Slow neutron capture or s-process happens when there is a small number
of neutrons. It is termed slow because the rate of neutron capture is slow compared
0 0
to the rate of ( −1β ) decay. Therefore, if a ( −1β ) decay occurs, it almost always occurs
before another neutron can be captured.
Rapid neutron capture or r-process, on the other hand, happens when there
is a large number of neutrons. It is termed rapid because the rate of neutron capture
is fast that an unstable nucleus may still be combined with another neutron just
0
before it undergoes (−1β ) decay. The r-process is associated with a supernova. The
temperature after a supernova is tremendously high that the neutrons are moving
very fast. Because of their speed, they can immediately combine with the already
heavy isotopes. This kind of nucleosynthesis is also called supernova
nucleosynthesis.
Proton capture (p-process) is the addition of a proton in the nucleus. It
happens after a supernova, when there is a tremendous amount of energy available.
It is because the addition of a proton to the nucleus is not favorable because of
Coulombic repulsion, which is the repulsive force between particles with the same
charge.
Proton capture produces a heavier nucleus that is different from the seed nucleus.

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 What’s More

Activity 4. FACT of BLUFF

Determine whether the provided statements are correct or incorrect. Write
FACT if it is correct and BLUFF if it is incorrect.
_________ 1. Protostar was formed due fragment contraction from the star
formation theory.
_________ 2. Elements heavier than beryllium are formed through nuclear
nucleosynthesis.
_________ 3. A large amount of energy was released during the supernova
explosion which lead to the formation of heavier elements.
_________ 4. The energy detected from different stages of star formation was
Infrared Radiation.
_________ 5. The element silicon was formed through the fusion of magnesium.
_________ 6. Iron element was formed from silicon fusion.
_________ 7. The interstellar medium of gas and dust were sufficient evidences
which supported the star formation theory.
_________ 8. The main sequence star evolved from protostar by which hydrogen
was fused into helium through proton-proton chain.
_________ 9. The star turned into a red giant as the helium converted to carbon
in the core and in the surrounded core hydrogen was converted into
helium.
_________ 10. The element oxygen was formed from carbon fusion while neon was
formed from the fusion of nitrogen.
Activity 5. Putting it All Together: Concept Mapping
Direction: Complete the CONCEPT MAP below by supplying and filling in the
correct word or phases indicated in the WORD BANK.

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 PHRASE/WORD BANK
(which evolve into) s-process
(which eventually end up in) r-process
which forms primarily through alpha ladder
red giant stars/super giant stars occurs in
supernova explosions main sequence stars
proton-proton chain reaction CNO cycle

Activity 6. Fill Me Up!

Fill in the missing data to complete the equation.

REACTANTS PRODUCT

Big Bang Nucleosynthesis

1 d n

2 d 3He +γ

3 3H p

4 3He 4He +γ

Stellar Nucleosynthesis

4 8
5 He Be
2 4
4 4 4
6 He He + He
2 2 2
4 16
7 He O+ γ
2 8
4 20
8 He Ne + γ
2 10
20 24
9 Ne Mg + γ
10 12
12 12
10 C C
6 6

Supernova Nucleosynthesis

56 1
11 Fe n
26 0
94 95
12 𝑀𝑜 𝑇𝑐 + 𝛾
42 43

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Activity 7. Balance Me Up!
Balance the following equations (in the formation of heavier elements).

Example:

Iron-52 is bombarded with Helium and forms Nickel-56 with

emission of gamma rays

52 4 56 0
26𝐹𝑒 + 2𝐻𝑒 → 28𝑁𝑖 + −1γ

40 4 ___ 0
1. 20𝐶𝑎 + 2𝐻𝑒 → 𝟐𝟐𝑻𝒊 + −1γ
___ 4 48 0
2. 𝟐𝟐𝑻𝒊 + 2𝐻𝑒 → 24𝐶𝑟 + −1γ
16 4 ___ 0
3. 8𝑂 + 2𝐻𝑒 → 𝟏𝟎𝐍𝐞 + −1γ
12 4 __ 0
4. 6𝐶 + 2𝐻𝑒 → 𝟖𝑶 + −1γ
_ 4 24 0
5. 𝟏𝟎𝐍𝐞 + 2𝐻𝑒 → 12𝑀𝑔 + −1γ
___ 4 52 0
6. 𝟐𝟒𝑪𝒓 + 2𝐻𝑒 → 26𝐹𝑒 + −1γ
___ 4 28 0
7. 𝟏𝟐𝑴𝒈 + 2𝐻𝑒 → 14𝑆𝑖 + −1γ
28 4 ___ 0
8. 14𝑆𝑖 + 2𝐻𝑒 → 𝟏𝟔𝑺 + −1γ
32 4 ___ 0
9. 16𝑆 + 2𝐻𝑒 → 𝟏𝟖𝑨𝒓 + −1γ
___ 4 40 0
10. 𝟏𝟖𝑨𝒓 + 2𝐻𝑒 → 20𝐶𝑎 + −1γ

What I Have Learned

 Stellar nucleosynthesis is the process by which elements are formed

within stars.
 The star formation theory proposes that stars form due to the collapse
of the dense regions of a molecular cloud.
 A protostar is a stellar core formed when the fragments of a collapsed
molecular cloud contract.
 A main sequence star is formed when gravitational equilibrium is
reached during the hydrogen fusion in a protostar.
 A red giant is a star that has used up its hydrogen supply in the core
and switched into the thermonuclear fusion of hydrogen in the shell
surrounding the core. A massive star becomes a multiple-shell red giant
when the elements oxygen, neon, magnesium, silicon, and iron are
formed in its core together with carbon, helium, and hydrogen.
 A supernova is a star that blows apart and releases a large amount of
energy.
 Evidence of star formation comes from studying IR emissions from the
different stages of star evolution.

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 Nuclear fusion is a type of reaction that fuses lighter elements to form
heavier ones.
 Hydrogen burning is the stellar process that produces energy in the
stars. There are two dominant hydrogen burning processes, the proton-
proton chain and carbon-nitrogen-oxygen (CNO) cycle.
 Proton-proton chain is a sequence of thermonuclear reactions in the
stars. It is the main source of energy radiated by the sun and other
stars.
 Carbon-nitrogen-oxygen cycle is a catalytic cycle of gamma emission
and beta decay that converts hydrogen into helium.

What I Can Do

3-2-1 Journal Writing

On the space below, write the following:
Three (3) things you have learned from the topic

Two (2) concepts that are not clear to you.

One (1) question you wanted to ask.

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 Assessment

Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on the
space provided before each number.
___ 1. Which of the following describes stellar nucleosynthesis?
a. It is the process by which elements are formed within stars.
b. It is the formation of elements during a supernova explosion.
c. It is the process by which elements are produced in gas clouds.
d. It is the formation of light elements such as hydrogen and helium.
___ 2. Which of the following is a stellar core formed when the fragments of a
collapsed molecular cloud contract?
a. Protostar b. Supernova c. Red Giant d.Main Sequence Star
___ 3. Which of the following is a star that has used up its hydrogen supply in the
core and switched into the thermonuclear fusion of hydrogen in the shell
surrounding the core?
a. Protostar b. Supernova c. Red Giant d.Main Sequence Star
___ 4. The formation of a star starts with the dense regions of molecular clouds. What
force pulls matter together to form these regions?
a. Magnetic Force c. Electromagnetic Force
b. Nuclear Force d. Gravitational Force
___ 5. What happens when most of the hydrogen in the core is fused into helium in
the stellar core?
a. Hydrogen fusion continues, and the pressure in the core decreases.
b. Hydrogen fusion continues, and the pressure in the core increases.
c. Gravity squeezes the star until helium and hydrogen burning occur.
d. Nuclear energy increases until carbon and helium burning occur.
___ 6. What is the correct order for the stages of stellar evolution of a low–mass star?
a. red giant – white dwarf – main sequence star – protostar
b. main sequence star – white dwarf – protostar – red giant
c. protostar – main sequence star – red giant – white dwarf
d. white dwarf – red giant – protostar – main sequence star
___ 7. Which of the following is the major factor predicting the fate of a star?
a. strength of gravitational force c. amount of iron produced
b. mass of the star d. temperature of the star
___ 8. Which of the following elements are not formed during stellar evolution?
a. Carbon b. Oxygen c. Gold d. Iron
___ 9. When does a massive star enter the stage of becoming a supernova?
a. when the silicon fusion stops
b. when the star has used up all its hydrogen fuel gold
c. when the chromium fusion stops
d. when the star has burned all its oxygen

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___ 10. Which of the following is true about the formation of elements lighter than
iron in the core of the stars?
a. When the elements combine, they absorb energy which can fuel the nuclear
fusion reactions in the star.
b. When the elements combine, they produce a nucleus with a mass lower
than the sum of their masses.
c. When there is an input of energy from nuclear fission reactions in the star,
the elements are formed.
d. When the elements combine, they produce a nucleus with a mass greater
than the sum of their masses.
___ 11. Which of the following processes is likely to generate the heaviest element?
a. CNO Cycle c. triple alpha process
b. r – process d. Big Bang Nucleosynthesis
___ 12. Which of the following reactions is not a part of the alpha ladder?

a. 24
12𝑀𝑔 + 42𝐻𝑒 → 28
14𝑆𝑖 c. 36
18𝐴𝑟 + 4
2𝐻𝑒 → 40
20𝐶𝑎

b. 31
15𝑃 + 42𝐻𝑒 → 35
17𝐶𝑙 d. 44
22𝑇𝑖 + 4
2𝐻𝑒 → 48
24𝐶𝑟

___ 13. If an element is used up by a star in fusion, it is sometimes called “burning”

even though no actual combustion occurs. Which of the following processes
is likely to involve “carbon burning”?
a. Alpha ladder c. triple alpha process
b. CNO Cycle d. s – process
___ 14. Where can you find the heavy elements in the star?
a. Red Giant c. Protostar
b. Core d. Main Sequence Star
___ 15. Which of the following statements is true about stellar nucleosynthesis?
a. In the core of a main sequence star, hydrogen is fused into helium via the
beta plus decay.
b. When the core temperature reaches about 10 million K, nuclear reactions
begin wherein positrons and neutrons are released which increase
pressure and stop the contraction.
c. When the majority of the helium in the core has been converted to carbon,
then the rate of fusion increases.
d. Due to strong gravitational force, the protostar contracts and its
temperature increases.

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 Additional Activities

Performance Task
Quite a few elements were first discovered as man-made elements since many
of them did not emerge from the major nucleosynthesis reactions (or their minor
processes).
For this activity, you will create an output that discusses the origin of one of
the man-made elements.
Note: You may choose elements from Americium through Lawrencium as well as
some of the recently discovered elements like Flerovium and Livermorium.
In your output, you must:
• discuss the element’s basic characteristics; and
• give a brief timeline leading up to the element’s discovery
You may present your research in the form of poster, PowerPoint
Presentation, essay, video, or infographic.

Rubric for the Performance Task

Criteria 1 point 3 points 5 points

Presentation of the Most basic Most basic Unique aspects of
element’s characteristics of characteristics of the element (e.g.
characteristic the element are the element are the element’s
missing or absent. missing or absent. potential
significance or
uses) were
presented
Timeline of the There is no clear There is no clear The element’s
element’s chain of events or chain of events or history was
discovery key moments key moments presented clearly
presented. presented. and the process of
creating the
element was
discussed.

(add creative
metric)
(add other metrics)

(add other metrics)

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 DISCLAIMER
This Self-learning Module (SLM) was developed by DepEd SOCCSKSARGEN with the
primary objective of preparing for and addressing the new normal. Contents of this
module were based on DepEd’s Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC). This
is a supplementary material to be used by all learners of Region XII in all public
schools beginning SY 2020-2021. The process of LR development was observed in
the production of this module. This is version 1.0. We highly encourage feedback,
comments, and recommendations.

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – SOCCSKSARGEN

Learning Resource Management System (LRMS)

Regional Center, Brgy. Carpenter Hill, City of Koronadal

Telefax No.: (083) 2288825/ (083) 2281893

Email Address: region12@deped.gov.ph